Goodell said Domonique Foxworth, president of the player's union, worked with players to come up with the idea of changing the game from its usual AFC versus NFC format. The new unconferenced format based partly on pickup games and fantasy sports gave players something to get excited about, he said.

"I believe it was a very, very positive step and I salute the players and I'm glad they had so much fun," Goodell said. "And I think fans had a fun time watching — I know I did."

NFL greats Jerry Rice and Deion Sanders picked teams during a two-day draft. Team Rice beat Team Sanders 22-21 on a touchdown and 2-point conversion with 41 seconds left.

The game was more defensive than in recent years with eight turnovers and nine sacks. Neither team scored in the third quarter or for the first 10 minutes of the fourth quarter.

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Team Rice defensive end Cameron Jordan of the New Orleans Saints (94) sacks Team Sanders quarterback Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers (1) during the second quarter of the 2014 Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium.
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Team Sanders cornerback Patrick Peterson of the Arizona Cardinals (21) intercepts the football intended for Team Rice wide receiver Brandon Marshall of the Chicago Bears (15) during the second quarter of the 2014 Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium.
Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports

Team Rice wide receiver Josh Gordon of the Cleveland Browns (12) is congratulated by wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals (11) for a touchdown against Team Sanders during the second quarter of the 2014 Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium.
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Team Sanders running back Jamaal Charles (25) of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with receiver DeSean Jackson (10) of the Philadelphia Eagles and Jackson's touchdown reception in the first quarter during the 2014 Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium.
Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports

Team Rice wide receiver Josh Gordon of the Cleveland Browns (12) is tackled by Team Sanders safety Eric Weddle of the San Diego Chargers (32, left) and linebacker Paul Posluszny of the Jacksonville Jaguars (51) during the first quarter of the 2014 Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium.
Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports

Team Rice tight end Tony Gonzalez of the Atlanta Falcons (88) catches a pass against Team Sanders linebacker Luke Kuechly of the Carolina Panthers (59, right) during the first quarter of the 2014 Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium.
Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports

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"Guys were competitive and we're having fun, but at the same time the competitive juices get going and you want to win," Carolina linebacker Luke Kuechly said on the field after the game. Kuechly had a game-high 12 tackles, including 11 solo tackles.

The future of the Pro Bowl is unclear. The NFL hasn't committed to holding future games or said whether the game will stay in Hawaii, where Pro Bowls have been held 34 of the last 35 years.

"Here, right here," Kuechly said when asked where future Pro Bowls should be held, echoing comments from other players who say the game and festivities offer a reward for players and their families and a chance to get to know other stars throughout the league.

"We're going to play regardless, but I think it's easiest to play it here," Kansas City running back Jamaal Charles said.

Tourism officials in Hawaii have proposed several options to keep the game in Honolulu, including alternating years with other cities.